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Review Fri Jun 27 2014
Meet Cute: the Success of Dating: Adults Embracing Failure
Most romantic relationships are doomed to fail. It can happen instantly, over a doctored profile picture or a terrible first date. Or it can take years, as time, distance, and other worldly forces wear away the bond holding two people together.
Then we do it all over again.
And do it, and do it, and do it, do it, do it.
It's easy to get discouraged in the face of almost certain failure, but with quick-fire humor and surprising depth, Dating: Adults Embracing Failure shows that even heartbreak can be hilarious.
This smart comedy follows the fates of eight couples through a series of short sketches. From combatively passionate to awkwardly romantic, each pair shows what makes some relationships work and what dooms others.
This entire cast of characters is brought to life by just two people, co-writers Josh Lanzet (Cupid Players) and Lindy Voeltner (Period Piece).
Each pair feels both believable and unique as Lanzet and Voeltner transition between them, easily combining sketch comedy, songs, and even miming in the process.
It all manages to be funny while not being a satire or a spoof- there's a sense of compassion underlying each scene that makes you root for each couple, despite their complications.
But all things come to an end- and this show doesn't shy away from how tragic this can be. Lanzet delivers a stark eulogy to a lover lost too soon. Voeltner subtly shows the sadness of realizing a strained relationship is finally broken.
Dating: Adults Embracing Failure shows that even though heartbreak is inevitable, laughing your way through the seemingly endless cycle of coupling and uncoupling is the best way to keep your sanity- and possibly meet your match.
Dating runs through August 1 at Royal George Theater, 1641 N Halsted. Performances are Friday nights at 8pm. Tickets are $20 at the door $30 online. For more information, visit their website.
